Transport for London is launching the final consultation on its proposed Direct Vision Standard and HGV Safety Permit scheme on 8 January 2019
The proposal sets out that all HGVs over 12 tonnes would need a Safety Permit to enter or operate in Greater London. As part of DVS, HGVs will be rated between ‘zero-star’ (lowest) and ‘five-star’ (highest).
Key timeframes to note are:
October 2019 - permits for London’s HGV Safety Permit Scheme go live
These will be electronic permits, available via the TfL website. Operators will be required to find out the star rating of their vehicle from vehicle manufacturers.
October 2020 - enforcement of the HGV Safety Permit Scheme begins
From October 2020, zero-star HGVs would be banned unless they can demonstrate they operate in compliance with other measures in a defined safe system to minimise their risk to vulnerable road users.
October 2024 - By 2024 the scheme would tighten with zero, one and two-star HGVs being banned unless they can demonstrate compliance with an updated progressive safe system.
The proposed ‘safe system’ includes specific industry recognised mitigating measures such as sensors, camera systems and visual warnings. The safety system would evolve over time and be reviewed in 2024 in order to consider advances in technology.
The BVRLA will discuss with TfL the process it proposes to allocate permits for HGVs, in particular the process for vehicles that are rented and leased.
